What Not to Do with Your 4×4

If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you know how fun and exciting they can be to drive. They are also very handy in a pinch. Still, even though they may be great vehicles, you do need to be careful not to push them over the limit because doing so could result in costly repairs. There are several things that you should simply never do in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Following these five 4×4 rules will save you time, trouble and potentially even an expensive vehicle repair bill.

Don’t Use a Locking Differential on Pavement

If your 4×4 uses a locking differential for the front or the rear wheels, only use it when off road and not while driving on pavement. Why? Because when going around a corner, the outside wheel is going to be rotating faster than the inside wheel and a locking differential will force the tires to rotate at the same speed, possibly resulting in damage to your drive train.

However, if you have a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle that has a center differential, you can often ride on the pavement because your vehicle will split the speed difference so that your front and rear axles can rotate at different speeds.

Never Switch to Low Gear While in Motion

When putting your vehicle in a low gear, it is imperative that your vehicle is in neutral or at a full stop. Most trucks will lock you out of making this mistake because when you’re in gear, your transfer case can only manage so much strain while moving between gears.

Don’t Floor it to Try Getting Unstuck

Stuck in the mud? Well don’t floor it! Basically, it comes down to static versus kinetic friction and being able to manage the two forces to your advantage, says Popular Mechanics. If your tire is slipping, ease onto the throttle and slowly bring the 4×4 out using the least amount of torque and a sensitive application of the throttle. This will let you ease your way out instead of spinning your tires and only digging yourself deeper.

Don’t Forget About Traction Control

You should certainly use traction control when going over packed snow or rocks because you will avoid wheel slip and the risk of maintain better control of the vehicle. Traction control also helps when you are in sand and mud, allowing one wheel to slip and while the engine provides power to the other tires to help pull you through any messes.

Don’t Forget to Inspect After Off-Roading

After a long day of off-roading, it is wise to check your vehicle for any potential problems your truck may have faced after a fun day in the mud. You’ll want to check the underbody of your vehicle as well as the tires and suspension to ensure that it is all properly intact – especially if you’ll be driving back home.

You also want to inspect your vehicle for any brush that might have gotten lodged beneath your truck – especially near your exhaust – and remove any mud covering your radiator so that your engine does not overheat.

Going off-roading is always a good time and in the unfortunate event that your vehicle does get damaged during your adventures, bring it to AV Bumper to Bumper. Our experience with repairing 4×4 trucks means that we can handle anything from exhaust systems to cylinder head exchanges.

Our staff of fully ASE certified mechanics is ready, willing and able to get you fixed up and back on the road – or off road – in no time. Give us a call at 661-949-1999 to learn more!